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Abstract:

In order to store equipment and tools in the smallest space with at the
same time improved access possibilities and orderliness in outdoor areas,
a storage means is described for outdoor areas comprising: at least two
holding compartments (11), each of which has one or a plurality of
closable opening sections (13), wherein the one opening section (13) or
the plurality of opening sections (13) jointly, which belong to the same
holding compartment (11), have a surface that essentially corresponds to
a surface of an outer side of this holding compartment (11), and wherein
the opening sections (13) are arranged on at least two adjacent sides of
the storage means.

Claims:

1-38. (canceled)

39. Storage means for outdoor areas, e.g. a garden shed or hut,
comprising: at least two holding compartments (11) each of which has one
or a plurality of closable opening sections (13), wherein the one opening
section (13) or the plurality of opening sections (13) jointly, which
belong to the same holding compartment (11), have a surface that
essentially corresponds to a surface of an outer side of this holding
compartment (11), and wherein the opening sections (13) are arranged on
at least two adjacent sides of the storage means.

40. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein horizontal elongations
of the holding compartments (11) parallel to an outer side of the storage
means basically correspond to a length of this outer side, or wherein the
floor areas of the holding compartments (11) of a horizontal intersecting
plane together generally correspond to the floor area of the storage
means, or wherein the holding compartments (11) of the storage means
generally fill completely the inner volume of the storage means.

41. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein the storage means has a
rectangular or square floor area.

42. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein at least two holding
compartments (11) positioned above each other and whose opening sections
(13) are arranged on the same outer side of the storage means have
different floor areas.

43. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein the dimensions of at
least one of the holding compartments (11) is adjusted to the extension
of an object to be stored, or wherein a height, depth and/or width of
each holding compartment (11) is independent of the heights, depths and
widths of the other holding compartments (11).

44. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein a width and/or height of
at least one holding compartment (11) is larger than a depth of this
holding compartment (11).

45. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein at least two holding
compartments (11), whose opening sections (13) are arranged on opposite
outer sides of the storage means are adjacent to each other at their rear
sides, or wherein three outer sides of the storage means have opening
sections (13) and a holding compartment (11), whose opening section (13)
is located on the middle outer side, extends between holding compartments
(11), whose opening sections (13) are positioned on the extreme outer
sides.

47. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein a horizontal distance
between vertical support elements (32) corresponds to a width or/and a
depth of at least one holding compartment (11), respectively.

48. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein the storage means can be
assembled from modules and each module comprises at least one holding
compartment (11).

49. Storage means according claim 39, wherein partition walls (14) are
provided between the holding compartments (11) that can be fixed by means
of mounting elements (80) to a floor area and/or to a side wall (15)
and/or to an upper side (16) of the storage means.

51. Storage means according to claim 49, wherein the partition walls (14)
are fixed with a distance to the floor area determined by the mounting
elements (80).

52. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein one opening section (13)
can be closed by one or more closing elements (12) and/or wherein a
plurality of opening sections (13) can be closed by one closing element
(12).

53. Storage means according to claim 52, wherein at least one holding
compartment (11) has on an outer side several closing elements (12) and
the closing elements (12) generally extend across the entire area of the
outer side.

54. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein at least one of the
holding compartments (11) has opening sections (13) on two different
outer sides of the storage means.

55. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein an upper side (16) of
the storage means is realised as pitched roof, flat roof, pent roof or
gabled roof, or wherein an upper side (16) of the storage means is
arranged as a bed for plants or for greening.

56. Storage means according to claim 39, furthermore also comprising: at
least one power supply connection; and/or at least one cable connection
means, that is permanently connectable with a plug of an electrical
appliance and that is furthermore suitable for releasing cable under
tensile force and rewinding it when the tensile force is released.

57. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein the storage means has at
least one solar panel, or wherein the storage means has at least one
water connection, water tap and/or at least one water collection means.

58. Storage means according to claim 39, wherein the storage means has a
central locking system for a plurality of holding compartments (11)
and/or at least one local locking system for each holding compartment
(11).

Description:

[0001] The invention relates to a storage means for outdoor areas.

[0002] Normally, garden tools and equipment etc. are stored in garden
sheds. There is, however, a noticeable increase in housing space density
above all in the conurbation areas of Europe. This also affects the
traditional middle-class residential areas. The average land area in
gardens of estates with terraced and semi-detached housing has been
halved over the past 20 years.

[0003] Conventional garden sheds have one or at most two accesses to rooms
that the user can enter. These rooms are then organised from the inside,
i.e. after the user has entered the garden shed he stores objects in the
shelves or storage devices located in the rooms. This gives rise to the
problem that an interior space must always be kept free so that the
garden shed can be entered, and this area is thus no longer available as
storage space. In addition, the objects being sought are often obstructed
by other objects, and it is then necessary first to rearrange the stored
objects before the item being searched for can be located. One further
problem is that it is frequently impossible or very difficult to bring
large objects through the doors of the garden sheds into the interior
area.

SUMMARY

[0004] The task of the present invention is therefore to provide a storage
means for outdoor areas in which equipment and objects can be stored with
minimum use of space while at the same time providing improved means of
access, so that the space available can be used optimally. A further task
is to create a storage means for outdoor areas that allows the user to
organise the stored items more easily.

[0005] This task is solved by the features of the independent claim.

[0006] The invention is based on the idea of dispensing completely with
space for movement within the storage means. Therefore, no space is
wasted just so a person is able to move around as is the case in
conventional garden sheds, and all unnecessary competition between the
need for space to store and space to move is avoided.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment example, a storage means for outdoor
areas comprises at least two holding compartments that each provide one
or more lockable opening sections, wherein the one opening section or the
plurality of opening sections jointly, which belong to the same holding
compartment, have an area that essentially corresponds to a surface of an
outer side of this holding compartment, and the opening sections are
arranged on at least two adjacent sides of the storage means.

[0008] Because the opening section of a holding compartment extends
approximately over the entire outer side of the relevant holding
compartment, the placing (or removal) of objects in the holding
compartment is greatly facilitated. The objects thus do not have to be
lifted over thresholds or rims or manoeuvred through a small opening into
a larger room positioned behind. The holding compartment is furthermore
more clearly laid out and easier to organise. Because each holding
compartment has its own opening section, it is simply to access directly
and only the item that is wanted.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment example, the storage means has a
rectangular or square floor area. The floor area can, however, also have
an elliptic or polygon design.

[0010] Preferably, horizontal elongations of the holding compartments in a
direction parallel to an outer side of the storage means can correspond
basically to a length of this outer side of the storage means. It is also
possible that the floor areas of the holding compartments, which lie in a
horizontal intersecting plane through the storage means, jointly
correspond to the floor area of the storage means. In other words, the
holding compartments of the storage means can almost completely fill the
inner volume of the storage means.

[0011] The interior space of the storage means is in this embodiment
example almost completely filled by holding compartments, which can, if
required, be divided by partition walls or arranged between the support
elements. Because the entirely of the holding compartments constitute the
volume of the storage means, there is an efficient use of space available
without the need for movement room or other dead space.

[0012] Preferably, the height, depth and/or width of each holding
compartment is independent of the heights, depths and widths of the other
holding compartments. Alternately or additionally, at least two holding
compartments positioned over each other and whose opening sections are
arranged on the same side surfaces of the storage means can have
different floor areas. This means that each holding compartment can in
its dimensions be set and adjusted flexibly and individually according to
requirements.

[0013] Specifically, the dimensions of at least one holding compartment
can be adjusted to take account of expansion of some object to be stored.
In this embodiment example, each holding compartment corresponds to one
or more objects. For example, the storage means can provide one separate
holding compartment for a watering can, a garden hose, a ladder, a
shovel, a wheelbarrow, a lawnmower, a deckchair, a sunshade, refuse
containers, skis, surfboards, car tyres, firewood and similar objects.
Because each holding compartment corresponds to one object or a type of
objects, it is easy to store the items in an orderly fashion. This also
means that objects that are rarely used can also be accessed directly and
easily, as each object is assigned to a separate holding compartment. In
one special design, the holding compartments can be adjusted to fit the
products of one manufacturer.

[0014] Preferably a width and/or height of a holding compartment can be
larger than a depth of this holding compartment. This gives rise to
holding compartments with a lower depth, which is an advantage for some
objects. For example, such a holding compartment can be arranged as a
tool cabinet. When holding compartments or their opening sections are
arranged on two neighbouring sides of the storage means, one or more
shallow holding compartments can be arranged so that their rear wall at
least partially borders a side surface of at least one holding
compartment from the neighbouring side of the storage means. The shallow
holding compartments can also be used for supplementing or filling out
the possibly irregular volume made up of specified or selected holding
compartments to form a cuboidal volume of the storage means. This enables
optimum use of the available space.

[0015] In another embodiment example, at least two holding compartments,
whose opening sections are arranged on opposite sides of the storage
means, are adjacent to each other with one side surface. In other words,
the rear walls of the holding compartments that are accessible from
opposite sides of the storage means stand directly opposite each other
without any other holding compartment being between them.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment example, three sides of the
storage means are provided with opening sections such that at least one
holding compartment whose opening section lies on the middle side
protrudes between the holding compartments whose opening sections lie on
the other sides. Because opening sections are arranged on three sides of
the storage means, more space can be made available, and this can
nevertheless be accessed easily without any need for room for movement.

[0017] Horizontal and/or vertical support elements can be arranged between
the holding compartments. In addition, a horizontal distance between
vertical support elements can each correspond to a width or/and a depth
of at least one holding compartment. These support elements can support,
for example, side or rear walls, the ground, ceiling and/or external
walls of the holding compartments, or merely serve to stabilise the
storage means. These support elements can moreover also be used for
fixing shelves etc., and in this way divide a holding compartment.

[0018] Alternately to a monolithic arrangement with horizontal and/or
vertical support elements, the storage means can also be made up of
modules, where each module comprises at least one holding compartment. A
modular structure provides the advantage that a user can arrange his
storage space according to his individual requirements. He can in this
regard freely decide on not only the external dimensions of the storage
means but also the dimensions of the individual holding compartments and
their arrangement. If, for example, there is a large lawn, storage space
can be arranged for a large lawnmower. A smaller lawn area will, however,
require only a smaller lawnmower and accordingly also smaller space. The
modules can be connected to each other by means of a lock-in system.
Lock-in connections allow the modules to be linked easily, and the user
will thus be able to make up his storage space easily and arrange it by
means of the different modules according to his individual requirements.

[0019] In a further alternative embodiment, partition walls, or interior
or intermediate walls, that separate the holding compartments from each
other, are fixed to a floor area and/or to a ceiling area of the storage
means. The floor area and/or the ceiling area can, for example, be
provided with recesses or grooves on the inside, into which the partition
walls can be shoved. The floor area and/or the ceiling area can here
preferably have a plurality of such recesses and/or grooves, which will
allow a flexible placement or insertion of the partition walls.
Alternately or additionally, the partition walls can also be fixed with
mounting elements. Preferably, a clamp-type mounting element with
U-shaped cross section such as a staple can be used, into which a
partition wall can be inserted or shoved. The mounting element can also
be provided with a through-hole through side surfaces facing each other,
so that a partition wall inserted in the mounting element can be fixed to
the mounting element by a fixing element inserted through the
through-hole and the partition wall. The mounting elements can be nailed
or screwed into the floor area and/or ceiling area so that they hold the
partition walls from below or above at a specified distance from the
floor or ceiling. This prevents, in contrast to partition walls
positioned flat on each other, the formation of mildew or rotting due to
the accumulation of water or dampness in a contact area. It also
guarantees improved ventilation of the storage rooms.

[0020] External rims of the storage means are possibly stabilised by
framework elements. Preferably, a framework element has for this purpose
a form with two right-angled trihedrons facing each other and connected
to each other with a bracket, such that a framework element can support
five different external rims or two neighbouring corners of the storage
means. In other words, the framework element can have two L-shaped corner
elements positioned opposite each other and with the same alignment, and
one rim element that connects the two corner elements at their angle, and
is positioned in each case vertical on the areas expanded by the L-shaped
corner elements. The brackets of a corner element can have different
lengths. Preferably, however, the brackets of the corner elements of the
framework element positioned opposite each other will have the same
length. In one embodiment example, the framework elements are arranged on
the external rims of the storage means such that the one L-shaped corner
element is positioned on the ground and the other on the upper side of
the storage means, and the rim element runs along a vertical external
rim. In this case, a framework element can be positioned on each vertical
external rim. The bracket ends of two neighbouring framework elements can
be linked by at least one connecting element. When the connecting element
has a length corresponding to a length of the rim element of the
framework element or to a length of an external rim of the storage means,
then both the upper and the lower bracket ends of the two framework
elements can be linked to each other with a connecting element. In this
case, the connecting element will also contribute to stabilising the
framework elements. One cross-sectional form of the connecting element,
favoured due to its particular stability, is the T form. The connecting
element can also serve to delimit an opening section. For example, the
connecting element can present a support area for a closing element and
in this way be used as, for example, part of a door frame. The connecting
element can moreover also be provided with mounting elements for fixing
partition or inner walls. These mounting elements can be formed in
clamp-type design, as mentioned above, and a partition wall can therefore
then be inserted in the mounting element without any major effort.

[0021] According to a further embodiment example, one or more opening
sections can be closed one or more closing elements. For example, an
opening section can be locked by two doors or by one swing door. A roller
shutter can furthermore close several opening sections.

[0022] In a further embodiment example, at least one holding compartment
can be divided into several sections. For example, a holding compartment
can be divided by a drawer, a slide-in board, shelf and/or suspension
device.

[0023] A holding compartment can have several closing elements on an outer
side, wherein the closing elements extend essentially across the entire
area of the outer side. A closing element can be formed as door, flap,
slide-in front or roller shutter. For example, a holding compartment can
be divided into several drawers, wherein the front sides of the drawers
form essentially the outer side of the holding compartment.

[0024] At least one of the holding compartments can furthermore be
accessible from two sides. This represents an advantage in particular
with very elongated holding compartments. If, for example, a holding
compartment has opening sections on two opposite side surfaces of the
storage means, a user can extract an object, for example a ladder, from
both sides.

[0025] In a further embodiment example, an upper side of the storage means
can have at least one opening section. This locker-type design is
especially advantageous for low storage systems.

[0026] The storage means can furthermore, according to a further
embodiment example, be provided on at least one side with a step aid
and/or ladder to the opening sections of higher positioned holding
compartments. In a very small garden or a small available floor area, the
storage means can have a small floor area. In order to provide sufficient
storage space, however, the storage means can be installed at a higher
level, so that the opening sections are no longer all accessible on
ground level, but can be accessed by means of steps or a ladder.

[0027] Alternately, the storage means can be designed such that all
holding compartments of the storage means can be accessed on ground
level.

[0028] In addition, an upper side of the storage means can be constructed,
according to the user's requirements, as pitched roof, flat roof, pent
roof or gabled roof. The additional room that can in this way be created
underneath a slanted roof can then serve as closed holding compartment or
as open storage space. The upper side of the storage means or the roof
can furthermore be turned into a green roof or bed for planting.

[0029] The storage means is provided preferably with at least one
electrical power supply, for example in the form of a socket. This can be
used for powering, for example, a lawnmower or a hedge clippers. The
storage means can moreover be provided with at least one solar panel and
in this way be generally independent of external power sources. A storage
element can also be provided for storing the electrical energy thus
generated. In a further embodiment example, the storage means can be
provided with a cable connection means that can have a fixed connection
to the plug of an electrical appliance. The cable connection means
serves, for example, to wind up an extension cable. When the extension
cable is required, it can simply be extracted from the cable connection
means. After use, all that needs to be done is press a foot pedal or a
switch etc., which causes the extension cable to be retracted and rewound
automatically into the cable connection means. Difficult and
time-consuming rewinding of the cable can in this way be avoided.
Alternately, the cable connection means can be released under tensile
pressure and rewound when the tensile pressure is relaxed, this avoids
cable entanglement or superfluously and unused cable lengths.

[0030] According to another embodiment example, a storage means can also
have at least one water collection means. The water collection means can,
for example, be formed as a rain drain with or without a collection tank.
The storage means can also be provided with at least one water
connection, water tap and/or integrated garden hose. The integrated
garden hose is already connected to a water source and can simply be
drawn out and used. The integrated garden hose can after use be rewound
when a switch in the storage means is activated.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the storage means can be locked
by means of a central locking system for several holding compartments
and/or at least one local locking system for each holding compartment.
The central locking system can open or lock at least two holding
compartments in the storage means or the entire storage means when a
number combination or password is entered and acts as central access
control. This provides security for the objects stored in the storage
means and protects them from unauthorised access. The holding
compartments can furthermore be opened quickly and easily, without the
need for time-consuming opening and closing of the different holding
compartments with different keys. The holding compartments can also be
individually sealed by a local locking system.

[0032] In a further preferred storage means in accordance with the
invention, a sound output system is provided that can be connected to a
MP3 player. For example, the sound output system for playing music etc.
can comprise various interfaces for audio data media, a radio receiver,
an integrated amplifier and weatherproof hi-fi loudspeakers.

[0033] The storage means according to the invention can also be provided
with a lighting system, allowing the surrounding area of the storage
means to be given atmospheric lighting by means of, for example, solar
lamps or colour LEDs.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment example, the storage means can
have at least one play device and/or at least one stall. This play device
is to be understood as, for example, a slide, a climbing rope, a swing or
a playhouse.

[0035] The storage means can also be used as a cabinet device such as a
garden shed, but or storage for refuse containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a storage means according to an
embodiment example of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a storage means according to
another embodiment example of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 3a to 3c show perspective views during the assembly of a
storage means according to a further embodiment example of the present
invention.

[0039]FIG. 4 shows a storage means according to a further embodiment
example of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a further storage means according to another
embodiment example of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 6 shows a further storage means according to another
embodiment example of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 7 shows a further storage means according to another
embodiment example of the present invention with an insertible ale-bench
set.

[0043]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view during the assembly of a storage
means according to a further embodiment example of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 9a to 9c show perspective views during the assembly of a
storage means according to a further embodiment example of the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES

[0045] The storage means according to the invention serves to store
equipment and tools and other objects in outdoor areas with the greatest
saving of space. The storage means therefore preferably has the form of a
cube or a block that dispenses with the need for internal room for
movement. The storage means is for this purpose provided with a plurality
of holding compartments, each of which is accessible through at least one
opening section and has preferably a rectangular basic design. The
opening sections can be provided in two, three, four or in all external
surfaces of the storage means.

[0046] Because the storage means is intended for outdoor areas, e.g. the
garden, an inner yard, etc., it has to be weatherproof and provide
protection for the objects stored therein from the effects of weather. It
will therefore be realised in weatherproof material, such as wood, metal,
stone, plastic, glass or a combination of these materials.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a storage means in an embodiment
example according to the invention. The storage means of FIG. 1 shows
holding compartments 11 on at least the front and the right-hand side.
The holding compartments 11 are each accessible through an opening
section 13, realised in an outside side wall 15 of the storage means. The
opening section 13 can be opened and locked by a closing element 12, for
example by a door, a flap, a roller shutter, the front side of a drawer
or a slide-in board, etc. If a door or a flap is planned as closing
element 12, a hinge can be positioned at the top, bottom or at the side
of the closing element 12 as required. The closing elements 12 can
completely cover the opening sections 13, such that an upper side 16 and
the side walls 15 together with the closing elements 12 form the external
surfaces of the storage means. The closing elements 12 can also be
provided with handle elements to facilitate opening and closing.

[0048] If an opening section 13 has exactly one closing element 12, the
closing element 12 will have approximately the same area as the
corresponding opening section 13. Because the area of an opening section
13 preferably corresponds to the area of an outer side of the relevant
holding compartment 11, the closing element 12 forms basically the outer
side of the corresponding holding compartment 11. It is, however, also
possible that an opening section 13 is locked by several closing elements
12, for example by the presence of a plurality of drawers positioned
above or beside each other or by two doors. In this case, the overall
area of the closing elements 12 corresponds approximately to the area of
the outer side of the holding compartment 11. In another case, a closing
element 12 can close several opening sections 13. The area of the closing
elements 12 will then be the same as the overall area of corresponding
opening sections 13. Reference is made here by way of example to a roller
shutter that can close opening sections 13 arranged above or beside each
other.

[0049] The dotted lines in FIG. 1 indicate holding compartments 11 that
protrude from the right side wall 15 into the inside of the storage means
up to the holding compartments 11 accessible from the front side wall 15.
The distance between the opening sections 13 of the holding compartments
11 on the front side wall 15 and a right edge of the storage means in
FIG. 1 corresponds therefore to approximately the depth of the holding
compartments 11 on the right side wall 15, whose side surfaces border the
front side wall 15. A section of a side wall 15 without opening sections
13 therefore corresponds approximately to the side surfaces of holding
compartments 11, whose opening sections 13 are positioned on a
neighbouring side wall 15 of the storage means. Generally, the
three-dimensional dimensions of the holding compartments 11 are
independent of each other. The holding compartments 11 are nevertheless
designed such that they almost completely fill the interior space of the
storage means. The holding compartments 11 in the storage means can
furthermore be separated from each other by partition elements 14.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment example, each holding compartment 11 is
designed so that it can take one or more predetermined objects. The
dimensions of the holding compartment 11 correspond for this purpose
approximately the side of the object to be stored. The internal volume of
a holding compartment 11 is therefore only slightly larger than the
object and the object can thus be easily inserted or taken out, without,
however, any wastage of superfluous storage room. The storage means can
therefore have, for example, a holding compartment 11 for a lawnmower, a
holding compartment 11 for flowerpots or a holding compartment 11 for a
broom. These holding compartments 11 can furthermore be identified by,
for example, writing or symbols. In a special embodiment example, the
holding compartments 11 can be adapted to the products of a certain
manufacturer.

[0051] The interior space of a holding compartment 11 can furthermore by
divided by elements such as slide-in shelves, hooks etc., so that several
objects of the same type can be stored neatly in a holding compartment
11. Such an inner division can be an advantage in particular in holding
compartments 11 for small objects, such as hammer, files, saws, garden
shovels and other tools.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a storage means according to
another embodiment example of the present invention. The storage means in
FIG. 2 is provided with opening sections 13 on all four side of the
storage means, each of which offers access to a holding compartment 11
behind it. Partition elements 14 divide the interior space of the storage
means into holding compartments 11, while one partition element 14 can
also consist only of an intermediate space between the holding
compartments 11. It is clear from FIG. 2 that the interior space of the
storage means is filled almost completely by holding compartments 11.

[0053] FIGS. 3a to 3c show perspective views of a storage means according
to the invention during construction.

[0054] According to FIG. 3a, vertical support elements 32 are positioned
on a base 31, which can be connected to horizontal support elements 33.
The support elements 32 and 33 serve to stabilise the storage means. The
support elements 32 and 33 can furthermore limit the holding compartments
11. If partition walls are provided as partition elements 14, the
partition walls can be secured to the support elements 32 or 33. Support
elements 32 and 33 arranged at the edge of the base 31 can also limit the
extension of the opening sections 13, and the corresponding closing
elements 12 can thus be fixed to the support elements 32 and 33.

[0055]FIG. 3B shows an interim stage in the assembly of the storage means
from FIG. 3a. In FIG. 3B, some floors 34 of the different holding
compartments 11 have been inserted. In addition, horizontal partition
walls (not shown here) can be inserted as partition elements 14 in order
to delimit the holding compartments 11 also in the horizontal direction.

[0056] FIG. 3c shows the storage means in the completed, assembled state,
with the external surfaces of the storage means being formed by side
walls 15, closing elements 12 and an upper side 16. The closing elements
12 comprise here a door 35, a double door 36 and fronts 37 of drawers.

[0057] An alternative to this monolithic structure in a further preferred
embodiment example is the assembly of the storage means in modular form.
This has the advantage that a user can combine individual modules to form
larger units. For example, the user can select modules for a tool storage
room, for a wheelbarrow, for skis and for a surfing board. Such modules
can furthermore be assembled in a way that is simple and mobile.
According to the invention, the modules each comprise at least one
holding compartment 11, external surfaces, an opening section 13 and a
closing element 12. Another advantage is that the modules can be easily
connected to each other by mean of a plug-in system. In a special
embodiment example, the modules and the holding compartments 11 can be
adapted to the products of a certain manufacturer.

[0058] In a further embodiment example according to FIG. 4, the upper side
16 of the storage means can be constructed as a gabled roof 41. The room
42 formed by the gabled roof 41 and the holding compartments 11 located
below can be arranged as one or more holding compartments 11 with at
least one slanted side surface. A corresponding closing element 12 can be
arranged either on one of the slanted or on one of the vertical surfaces.
Alternately, the room 42 under the gabled roof 41 can be open on both
sides. The upper side 16 of the storage means can in other embodiment
examples also be realised as pitched roof, pent roof, gabled roof or flat
roof. The upper side 16 can furthermore be covered with, for example,
shingles, tiles or roofing fabric, or be made of the same material as a
section of a side wall 15 or a closing element 12. Additionally, solar
panels or a solar system can be provided on the upper side 16 or also on
a side wall 15. In FIG. 4, a side wall 15 has two opening sections 13,
while a further side wall 15 has four. Several opening sections 13 can in
this regard be assigned to one and the same holding compartment 11.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a further preferred embodiment example of the present
invention. In FIG. 5, a room 52 is formed on the upper side 16 of the
storage means that has only a slight height and whose upper side is open.
The open upper side of the room 52 can be locked by a roof flap 51. The
roof flap 51 is attached on one side wall of the room 52 by means of
hinges or some similar device. The room 52 can be arranged in such a way
that it can be used as a hotbed. The roof flap can for this purpose be
made of a transparent material. In another embodiment example, the room
52 has no roof flap 51, and the room 52 is then open at the top. In this
embodiment example, the room 52 can be arranged as a bed for plants or
for roof greening. A storage means according to the present invention is
preferably also provided with an electricity and water supply source, a
tap or a water collection means. The water collection means can be
realised as, for example, a rain drain without or without collection
tank. The storage means can also be provided with an integrated garden
hose that is linked to a water connection and can be drawn simply from
the storage means. After it is used, the integrated garden hose can be
rolled up again automatically by action of a pedal or a switch.

[0060] The storage means can also be provided with a cable connection
means for winding an extension cable, which can be permanently connected
to the electrical connection of an appliance. After it is used, only a
foot pedal or a switch etc. has to be activated to start the cable
connection means automatically rewinding the extension cable. This
dispenses with the need for difficult and time-consuming winding of the
cable, for example after the garden is mowed which in turn facilitates
garden work. The cable connection means can also be designed in such a
way that it releases cable under tensile pressure and rewinds the cable
automatically again once the tensile pressure is relaxed; this avoids
cable entanglement or danger from cables lying on the ground.

[0061]FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment example of the present invention.
In FIG. 6, the storage means has a play area. The play area 60 comprises
one or more play devices 62, such as a slide, a climbing rope or
playhouse. The play area 60 can be arranged on the upper side 16 of the
storage means. A step-up means 62, such as a ladder or step ledge, can be
provided on one side of the storage means. One of the holding
compartments 11 of the storage means can furthermore be arranged as stall
63 for small animals.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment example, the storage means can be
locked by means of a central locking system. The central locking system
closes at least two holding compartments 11 or all holding compartments
11 of the storage means and can be opened by entering a number
combination or a password. The central locking system thus acts as
central access control. This enables the holding compartments 11 to be
opened quickly and easily without the need to open the different holding
compartments 11 using different keys. Additionally or alternately, some
of the holding compartments can also be provided with a local or
decentralised locking system for the holding compartments 11 in question.
This locking system provides security for the objects stored in the
storage means and protects them from unauthorised access.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment, a sound output system is
provided that can be connected to an MP3 player. For example, the sound
output system can also be provided with various interfaces for audio data
media, a radio receiver, an integrated amplifier and weatherproof hi-fi
loudspeakers for paying music etc.

[0064] As is shown in FIG. 7, at least one seat element 72 and/or at least
one table 71 can also be attached to the storage means. For example, an
ale-bench set can be provided with slide-in function in one or more
holding compartments 11. In a further holding compartment 11, a
television 73 or a screen can also be installed, which allows outdoor
football viewing. Alternately, the ale-bench set can be fixed vertically
with fold-down movement in one or more of the holding compartments 11 by
means of hinges or similar device. When required, the closing element 12
of the holding compartment 11, such as a door, can be opened and the
ale-bench set folded out. Alternately, a garden seat can also be stored
behind a folding door, with the garden seat being fixed with swivel
movement around an axis along the backrest. The garden seat can also have
an L-shape, with the backrest then forming the flap door, while the
seating surface when the seat is in a folded state is stored in the
holding compartment 11. Extra seating can thus be provided easily and
quickly for garden parties, barbeques, etc.

[0065] The storage means according to the invention can additionally be
provided with a lighting system that in the form of, for example,
spotlights, solar lamps or colour LEDs can illuminate the environment.
Doors and surfaces or surface sections of the storage means can in
particular be made of translucent or partially transparent material,
behind which a lighting source is positioned, so that the areas are lit
up. In such a case, the storage means represents not only a space-saving
alternative to a garden house but at the same time serves as a source for
atmospheric lighting of the garden.

[0066]FIG. 8 shows a further possibility for the inner structure of the
storage means according to the invention. Instead of support elements 32
and 33, mounting elements 80 are employed here for securing partition
walls 14. In the embodiment example shown here, the mounting elements 80
are formed as a clamp-type elements similar to staples, and the partition
walls 14 can accordingly be easily inserted. Depending on the materials
used, the mounting elements 80 can be, for example, welded, bolted or
nailed to the floor area. In order to fix the partition walls 14 in the
mounting elements 80, the mounting elements 80 can be provided with a
through-hole. A pin or a screw etc. can be inserted through the
through-hole and the partition wall 14. The mounting elements 80 can
furthermore have a base or similar element, so that the partition walls
when inserted are at a distance from the floor area when the mounting
elements 80 are attached. Further mounting elements 80 are possibly
provided on side walls 15, partition walls 14 or on the upper side 16 of
the storage means.

[0067]FIG. 9A shows a framework element 81 for stabilising the storage
means. The framework element 81 has an upper and a lower L-shaped corner
element and a rim element connecting the corner elements, leading to a
form such as two rectangular trihedrons joined to each other or like a
rectangular gable. The height of the rim element can here correspond to
the length of a vertical external rim of the storage means. In this way,
the framework element 81 can support a vertical external rim and two side
walls 15 adjacent to this external rim. Support elements 82 can also be
attached to the brackets of the corner elements in order to support a
floor or ceiling plate. FIG. 9B shows an assembled framework consisting
of four framework elements 81. To support the external rims of the
storage means, the framework elements 81 are arranged such that two
bracket ends of the corner elements come in contact with two neighbouring
framework elements 81. The brackets of the neighbouring framework
elements 81 can be joined together with a connecting element 83. As is
shown in FIG. 9B, the connecting element 83 has the same length as the
rim element of the framework elements 81, and two opposite bracket ends
from one framework element 81 and two opposite bracket ends from a
neighbouring framework element 81 can be jointed to the same connecting
element 83. The connecting element 83 can be arranged linear or have a
rectangular cross section. Alternately, the connecting element 83 can
have a T-shaped cross section, as in FIG. 9B. In this case, the foot
element of the connecting element 83 with T-shaped cross section extends
between the bracket ends of the two neighbouring framework elements 81,
while the corresponding traverse element lies on the brackets and can be
fixed to this with screws or similar means (see FIG. 9B). The connecting
element 83 can also in this way serve as delimitation of the opening
section 13, for example as part of a door frame. In addition, mounting
elements 80 can be provided on the connecting elements 83 in order to fix
partition walls 14 to it (see FIG. 9C). This structure can be combined
with any number of embodiment examples of the invention in order to
achieve greater stability. Additionally or alternately to the mounting
elements 80 grooves or recesses can be provided in the floor area and/or
ceiling area of the storage means, into which the partition walls 14 can
be inserted as required. The floor area and/or ceiling area can also be
made up of several section elements. This allows simple replacement of
section elements of the floor area and/or ceiling area, facilitating the
restructuring or changing of partition walls. The individual parts are
moreover more easily stored, transported and assembled.

[0068] With the wide choice of designs and materials, the storage means
according to one of the embodiment examples of the present invention
offers not only the possibility of storing objects securely while saving
space, but can also be employed as an attractive screen.